Three Face Charges for Role in Running Illegal Phoenix Poker Biz

Three men arrested last week in a raid of an illegal Phoenix establishment appeared in a court to face charges Monday.

Esho Odisho, 31, and Ashour Hermez Odisho, 45, identified as owners and operators of Poker Union, and Bruce Lord, 46, identified as the poker-tournament manager, were taken into custody Thursday.  They have since been released on their own recognizance. 

The Odishos received a percentage of the buy-in fees for each poker game, according to authorities.  

Charges include illegal control of a criminal enterprise, promoting gambling and two counts of benefiting gambling.  Lord was accused of managing and conducting poker tournaments.

Their next court appearance was scheduled Aug. 25 in Maricopa County Superior Court.

The raid on the Poker Union took place last Thursday with police executing four search warrants linked to a nearly yearlong illegal-gambling investigation. Another establishment, Gold House, a cash-for-gold business at 17220 N. 19th Ave, was also raided as part of the investigation. 

- Jagajeet Chiba, Gambling911.com